THE fire service is investigating a blaze which left a man in need of hospital treatment.

Firefighters from Basildon and Corringham were called to a house in Redwood Drive, Basildon, at around 8.50pm yesterday.

The 68 year-old male occupant was taken to Basildon Hospital after suffering smoke inhalation.

Firefighters used three hose reel jets to put out the flames by 9.30pm.

A fire pressure fan was used to clear the house of smoke.